Sorted By Test Name - Mayo Medical Laboratories

CRS
8638
CGAK
34641
Chromium, Serum
Clinical Information: Chromium (Cr) exists in valence states ranging from 2(-) to 6(+). Hexavalent
chromium (Cr[+6]) and trivalent chromium (Cr[+3]) are the 2 most prevalent forms. Cr(+6) is used in
industry to make chromium alloys including stainless steel, pigments, and electroplated coatings. Cr(+6),
a known carcinogen, is immediately converted to Cr(+3) upon exposure to biological tissues. Cr(+3) is the
only chromium species found in biological specimens. Serum Cr concentrations are likely to be increased
above the reference range in patients with metallic joint prosthesis. Prosthetic devices produced by Depuy
Company, Dow Corning, Howmedica, LCS, PCA, Osteonics, Richards Company, Tricon, and Whiteside
typically are made of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum. This list of products is incomplete, and these
products change occasionally; see prosthesis product information for each device for composition details.
Useful For: Screening for occupational exposure Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear
Interpretation: Results greater than the flagged value indicate clinically significant exposure to
chromium (Cr) (see Cautions about specimen collection). Prosthesis wear is known to result in increased
circulating concentration of metal ions. Modest increase (0.3-0.6 ng/mL) in serum Cr concentration is
likely to be associated with a prosthetic device in good condition. Serum concentrations >1 ng/mL in a
patient with Cr-based implant suggest significant prosthesis wear. Increased serum trace element
concentrations in the absence of corroborating clinical information do not independently predict
prosthesis wear or failure.
Reference Values: